UNO recently sent out an email regarding Spring 2020 Commencement. They announced that it will be held in an online format on May 8, 2020 with the option of students being able to walk during the December 2020 Commencement Ceremony. This petition is to have Spring and Summer 2020 graduates walk in an August or September Commencement ceremony. These students have worked extremely hard and deserve to be recognized at their own commencement ceremony instead of combining ceremonies for spring, summer, and fall. Graduating college is a major milestone for all students and not being able to physically walk the stage like planned is another change that these students have had to endure along with all of the changes during the Spring 2020 semester. During these uncertain times, having something to look forward to within the next few months will put minds at ease regarding graduation, their own health and safety and of the community.

Universities like UNL invited their May graduates to attend a possible August ceremony, as well as UNK, who plans to combine commencement for spring and summer graduates on July 31st. Following the lead of fellow Nebraska System Universities we propose that UNO hold a graduation ceremony for Spring and Summer 2020 graduates in August or September of 2020.